Microbes, not fossil fuels, driving methane emissions

By EPN Staff

Microbes, the tiny organisms prevalent in soils, wetlands and waste, are the primary drivers of surging methane levels, rather than fossil fuel production, according to a recent academic study published in the respected Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The research highlights the growing importance of microbial sources, such as

• wetlands,
• livestock, and
• landfills, which now account for more than half of global methane emissions.

Why it matters

The study upends conventional wisdom about methane emission sources and underscores the importance of science-based efforts to address natural and human-induced methane emissions to combat climate change.

While fossil fuel-related emissions are declining, the new study emphasizes the need to focus on microbial emissions, especially from agriculture and waste management.

The bigger picture

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28 times greater than CO2, has seen unprecedented growth in recent years. Fossil fuel production remains a contributor to global methane emissions, but microbial sources have driven more than 90 percent of the increase since 2020.

This is notable, given methane’s short atmospheric lifespan. Identifying ways to manage and reduce microbial emissions of methane could yield significant climate benefits.

How industry has changed

The oil and natural gas industry has made significant strides in reducing its methane emissions. From 2011 to 2021, emissions intensity across the seven major onshore producing regions in the U.S. declined by nearly 66 percent.

Industry efforts to minimize leaks include improvements in facility design, operational practices, and the use of advanced detection technologies.

The Environmental Partnership (TEP), an industry-led initiative launched in 2017, has played a key role, with more than 70 percent of U.S. onshore oil and gas production now participating. Through TEP, companies share best practices, implement leak detection programs, and collaborate on innovations to reduce emissions.